Coopers Rock State Forest, WV

By Mary Reed, photos by Attila Horvath

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“It’s still the golden age of bouldering here,” says Adam Polinski, a 25-year veteran of Coopers Rock climbing. And with as many easy bouldering problems as stout ones, you don’t even have to be a rock climber to try the sport. “There’s loads of bouldering that’s 5.10 and under around here – that’s one of the great things about Coopers Rock,” Adam says. There’s also plenty of toproping and some lead climbs as well, but the short rock outcroppings (less than 30 feet in general) is the reason bouldering is king.

Try your hand (and feet) at Upper Rock City and Roadside Rocks climbing areas. Classic problems include Colorful Corner Arete and The Prow, among others. All are within a few minutes by foot from the parking area. Sunset Wall is full of short toproping options from 5.6 to 5.12.

If you’re not a climber, no worries. Counting old logging roads in addition to singletrack, there are about 50 miles worth of trail at Coopers Rock, open to hiking and mountain biking. “The reality is that the trail system there is very interconnected. There’s a way to circumnavigate the entire trail system on the south side that’s actually a 13-mile hike,” says Jan Kiger, an owner of The Adventure’s Edge gear shop and a board member of the Coopers Rock Foundation, “There’s not a bad trail in the forest.”

The first new dose of trail since the ’70s arrived with the construction of the 3.1-mile Roadside Trail, completed in 2008. This trail is accessible even when snow closes the roads, so it’s great for cross-country skiing in winter. The grade is gentle for easier mountain biking and hiking. The north side of the forest (north of I-68) has at least eight named trails – try the Virgin Hemlock Trail to see, yep, virgin hemlock forest.

And, of course, it’s mandatory to take the short walk to the overlook for the stunning view of the Cheat River from Cooper’s Rock (bring quarters for the binoculars). A less crowded and just as nice option is the Raven Rock Trail to the Raven Rock overlook. A visit in June will include plenty of blooming rhododendrons and mountain laurels.

Where it’s at: 1½ hours from Pittsburgh; from Morgantown, WV, take I-68 east about seven miles to exit 15. Take a right (south) and drive straight about three miles to the end of the road where the parking area is.

Contact: www.coopersrockstateforest.com or (304) 594-1561

Digs: Coopers Rock State Forest McCollum Camping Area ($21/night); Mountain Creek Cabins ($149-$169/night), www.mountaincreekcabins.com or 866-379-7548

Grub: Black Bear Burritos in Morgantown, www.blackbearburritos.com or (304) 296-8696

Brew: Try an Appalachian Ale at the West Virginia Brewing Company in Morgantown, (304) 296-BREW

Gear and Outfitting: The Adventure’s Edge in Morgantown, www.theadventuresedge.com or (304) 296-9007 can answer questions about up-to-date conditions